Four different North Carolina stars skipping Orange Bowl for NFL Draft

North Carolina will not have most of their star players for the Orange Bowl against Texas A&M.

Mack Brown, quarterback Sam Howell, and North Carolina have become legitimate contenders in the ACC, and their quick improvement has been rewarded with a matchup against No. 5 Texas A&M in the Orange Bowl after an 8-3 season. Already having accepted the fact that they will play without speedy running back Michael Carter, star receiver Dyami Brown, and starting linebacker Chazz Surratt due to their pro desires, the Tar Heels found out today that one more player will not make the trip to Miami.

Running back Javonte Williams announced that he was going to join his star teammates in skipping the Orange Bowl to declare for the NFL Draft today.

Williams is one of several North Carolina stars with eyes towards the pros

Offensive coordinator Phil Longo, built the perfect “thunder and lightning” combination in Williams and Carter, as Williams had just one more touch from scrimmage. While Williams powered into the end zone 22 times and was the preferred choice between the tackles, Carter outgained him, rushing for 1,245 yards.

Surratt got his start as the starting quarterback in Chappel Hill, but he converted to linebacker with the intent of going pro. He responded with 91 tackles and six sacks. Brown emerged as the team’s No. 1 receiver, totaling 1,099 yards on 20.0 yards per catch. While Carter and Williams look like Day 2 players, both Brown and Surratt might get picked on Day 3.

The Tar Heels have quickly become one of the best programs in the country when it comes to developing talent, but with that title comes a bit of a burden. Some of the most integral parts of this UNC team have chosen to end their college career early.

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